Tyron Olivier champions 13 years at GIPF
Born and raised in Swakopmund, Tyron Olivier explained that he began his school career at Swakopmund Primary school and matriculated from Swakopmund secondary school. He said his school years laid the foundation for discovering his purpose in life. “This was one of the most wonderful times of my life, and I appreciate each and every person who contributed to my success today,” Olivier shared. He continued his tertiary education at the University of Namibia and thereafter at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. This year in April, he graduated with a Master’s Degree in management from STADIO higher Education support centre in Windhoek.
Olivier says he started his career at the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) in 2012 as a records administrator on a three year contract basis. “In April 2015, I was appointed as a client service consultant. Over the years, I rose through the ranks and in 2018 I was promoted to senior client services consultant,” he said. During this time, he has been instrumental in streamlining operational processes at GIPF, particularly in developing systems that enhance effective customer service and ensure effortless service delivery to members.
A typical workday
Olivier described a typical workday as one that includes a wide range of responsibilities. “I am responsible for providing client services at an operational, day to day level, particularly for the resolution of complex client problems. I support the client service centre, which includes the call centre and frontline staff, in their interactions with clients. Furthermore, I conduct training and coaching for clients on GIPF rules, benefits, and processes related to pension benefits,” he explained.
“Lastly, I support the Head of the unit in resolving service related problems affecting members, pensioners, and dependents, while also managing the frontline and call centre teams. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work in such a dynamic and impactful industry. Each day brings new challenges that push me to learn, innovate, strategize, and deliver exceptional value to our members,” he added.
Unique approach
According to Olivier, working efficiently on a busy day requires a strategic approach to manage tasks, stay focused, and reduce stress. “I believe in the Eisenhower Matrix, as well as the principle of making ‘the five choices to extraordinary productivity.’ By categorizing tasks into four quadrants, urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important, I am able to prioritize my workload effectively,” he noted.
At his best
Olivier said he is at his best when he can put a smile on a client’s face, knowing that their experience with him has had a positive impact on their lives. “I love helping others, as I believe a helping hand is a touching hand. Doing great things every day does not need to be big, it is all about the experience,” he said.
Reflecting on his growth, he stated that when he joined GIPF, he was eager to learn and apply his skills and knowledge to make a tangible impact on clients’ financial well being. “The exposure to a diverse portfolio of clients has allowed me to deepen my understanding of pension funds and financial literacy,” he said. “One of my greatest strengths is my ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks efficiently. I am also a strong communicator, which helps me connect with people from all levels of literacy,” Olivier shared. “My interpersonal communication skills allow me to work effectively in team environments and clearly convey ideas to both colleagues and clients.”
He admitted that one area he has been working on is delegating tasks. “In the past, I often took on too much myself because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, I have realized that trusting others and sharing responsibilities not only lightens the load but also improves team efficiency. I have started addressing this by mentoring colleagues and collaborating more on projects,” he added.
Final Reflections
Offering advice to young professionals aspiring to work in the pension industry, Olivier emphasized the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills. “Work on your ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely. Strong communication skills are essential for building relationships and enabling team collaboration. Develop your interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with your clients, colleagues, and the industry. Networking can significantly impact your career,” he advised.
Concluding, Olivier shared words of encouragement. “Nothing that happens to you in life is in vain. Everything is a growing and learning process. ‘Your most unhappy clients are your greatest source of learning,’ Bill Gates once said. Grow through what you go through. Better days are always ahead.”
Olivier says he started his career at the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) in 2012 as a records administrator on a three year contract basis. “In April 2015, I was appointed as a client service consultant. Over the years, I rose through the ranks and in 2018 I was promoted to senior client services consultant,” he said. During this time, he has been instrumental in streamlining operational processes at GIPF, particularly in developing systems that enhance effective customer service and ensure effortless service delivery to members.
A typical workday
Olivier described a typical workday as one that includes a wide range of responsibilities. “I am responsible for providing client services at an operational, day to day level, particularly for the resolution of complex client problems. I support the client service centre, which includes the call centre and frontline staff, in their interactions with clients. Furthermore, I conduct training and coaching for clients on GIPF rules, benefits, and processes related to pension benefits,” he explained.
“Lastly, I support the Head of the unit in resolving service related problems affecting members, pensioners, and dependents, while also managing the frontline and call centre teams. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work in such a dynamic and impactful industry. Each day brings new challenges that push me to learn, innovate, strategize, and deliver exceptional value to our members,” he added.
Unique approach
According to Olivier, working efficiently on a busy day requires a strategic approach to manage tasks, stay focused, and reduce stress. “I believe in the Eisenhower Matrix, as well as the principle of making ‘the five choices to extraordinary productivity.’ By categorizing tasks into four quadrants, urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important, I am able to prioritize my workload effectively,” he noted.
At his best
Olivier said he is at his best when he can put a smile on a client’s face, knowing that their experience with him has had a positive impact on their lives. “I love helping others, as I believe a helping hand is a touching hand. Doing great things every day does not need to be big, it is all about the experience,” he said.
Reflecting on his growth, he stated that when he joined GIPF, he was eager to learn and apply his skills and knowledge to make a tangible impact on clients’ financial well being. “The exposure to a diverse portfolio of clients has allowed me to deepen my understanding of pension funds and financial literacy,” he said. “One of my greatest strengths is my ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks efficiently. I am also a strong communicator, which helps me connect with people from all levels of literacy,” Olivier shared. “My interpersonal communication skills allow me to work effectively in team environments and clearly convey ideas to both colleagues and clients.”
He admitted that one area he has been working on is delegating tasks. “In the past, I often took on too much myself because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, I have realized that trusting others and sharing responsibilities not only lightens the load but also improves team efficiency. I have started addressing this by mentoring colleagues and collaborating more on projects,” he added.
Final Reflections
Offering advice to young professionals aspiring to work in the pension industry, Olivier emphasized the importance of strong communication and interpersonal skills. “Work on your ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely. Strong communication skills are essential for building relationships and enabling team collaboration. Develop your interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with your clients, colleagues, and the industry. Networking can significantly impact your career,” he advised.
Concluding, Olivier shared words of encouragement. “Nothing that happens to you in life is in vain. Everything is a growing and learning process. ‘Your most unhappy clients are your greatest source of learning,’ Bill Gates once said. Grow through what you go through. Better days are always ahead.”
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